
T7 



ACTIVITIES AND CITATIONS 



OF THE 



53rd Field Artillery Brigade 

TWENTY-EIGHTH DIVISION 




UNITED STATES ARMY 



WORLD WAR, 1914-1918 



COMPLIMENTS OF 

MAJOR^GENERAL WILLIAM G. PRICE, Ir. 

CHRISTMAS, 19 19 



lliillii 



FOREWORD 



THE 53rd Field Artillery Brigade, 28th Division, 
Brigadier-General William G. Price, Jr., command- 
ing, embarked from New York for Overseas Ser- 
vice on May 18th, 1918, arriving in Liverpool May 31st, 
1918. After spending several days in Rest Camps in the 
vicinity of Southampton, England, the Brigade crossed 
the Channel and by June 9th, 1918, all the Units, includ- 
ing the 107th, 108th and 109th Field Artillery and the 
103rd Ammunition Train and the 103rd Trench Mortar 
Battery were established in the new American Camp at 
Camp De Meucon, in the heart of quaint old Brittanny. 

Here the Brigade received its full complement of 
materiel and horses and underwent an eight weeks' 
course of training in the use of the French 75's and 155 
mm. Howitzers. On August 6th, 1918, the entrainment 
for the front commenced and by the 8th of August, the 
53rd Field Artillery Brigade had rejoined the 28th Divi- 
sion in the Chateau Thierry salient just east of Fismes. 
Here the Units of the Brigade remained in constant ac- 
tion under continual fire until September 5th, when the 
advance was ordered which culminated in the crossing of 
the Vesle River. The attack continued until September 
8th, 1918, when orders were received relieving the Divi- 
sion. 

An eleven-day hike from the Marne to the Argonne 
Forest then followed. The route of the Brigade from Tre- 
loupe sur Marne passed through Epernay, Vitry le Fran- 
cois and Contression and finally ended in the heart of the 
Argonne Forest. The batteries went into position in the 
vicTnity of Croix de Pierre on the evening of September 
20th, 1918, the Brigade being augmented by two French 
regiments, the 64th and 238th, with 18 batteries of 75's. 
On the morning of the 26th of September, the Division 
attacked in the famous Argonne Offensive. The battle m 
the Argonne was marked by continual daily attacks until 
October 10th, when the Division was relieved. The last 
Units of the Ammunition Train left the Argonne Forest 
on October 17th, 1918. 

3 



The 53rd Field Artillery Brigade was then detached 
from the 28th Division, became for a day Army Artillery 
and was then attached to the 91st (Wild West) Division, 
composed of National Army Troops from Washington, 
Oregon and California. The mission of the Brigade in- 
volved participation in the combined drive of the French, 
English, Belgians and Aijiericans in Belgium, under the 
direct command of King Albert. On October 18th, 19th 
and 20th, 1918, the Units of the Brigade entrained at St. 
Menenhould, Villers-Daucourt and Gibry. Travelling via 
Boulogne, Callais and Dunkirk, the Brigade detrained in 
the vicinity of historic Ypres, Belgium. A hard march of 
25 kilometers over the famous No-Man's Land and Pas- 
chendal Ridge, brought the Brigade to billets at Slay- 
haege, near Roulers, where the organizations overhauled 
equipment and reorganized for the advance. On the 
evening of October 30th, the 91st Division was ordered to 
move up to the front through Ishgem and Inglemunster. 
On the morning of the 31st of October, the front line was 
taken over, the batteries having gone into position the 
evening before, and the attack commenced at 5.30 A. M., 
continuing with but brief respite until November 11th, 
when the Armistice was declared. At that time the Bri- 
gade was in position, ready to fire, east of the Scheldt 
River and in the vicinity of Audenarde. In this offensive 
the Brigade was augmented by the 59th Belgium Artil- 
lery, equipped with 220 mm. Howitzers, the 221st French 
equipped with 75's, and the 11th French Cav. Divisional 
Artillery. 

From the Armistice until embarking for the United 
States, the routine life of billets became the lot of the 
Brigade, first in the vicinity of Ypres and then after 
January 3rd, 1919, near Laval, with Brigade headquar- 
ters established at Mesley du Mayenne. In April, the Bri- 
gade rejoined the 28th Division at Lemans and on May 
1st, 1919, commenced embarkation to the United States. 

The glorious reception given to the officers and men 
of the 28th Division on May 15th, when the Division 
paraded in Philadelphia before a sea of upturned faces, 
revealing the gratitude and affection of Pennsylvania, 



will ever remain a vivid spot in the hearts of the men 
who participated in that drama. 

The citations which follow trace the record of the 
Division through the great war and are published in order 
that every man, by whose efforts and unselfish devotion 
alone these citations were merited, may share in the sat- 
isfaction which the Commanding General feels for the 
work of his men. 

The divisional citations included within the covers 
of this volume are those received when the 53rd Field 
Artillery Brigade was a part of the 28th Division. The 
remaining citations were awarded to the Brigade while 
it was a part of the 91st Division in Belgium. 



The activities of the 28th Division in the recent great war have 
now passed into the realms of history. The men who carried the 
colors of the Old National Guard of Pennsylvania to the battlefields 
of France have again resumed their tasks in civilian paths. Time 
dims the most brilliant deeds. It is to those men of the 28th Divi- 
sion who were "faithful unto death" and whose bodies now rest on 
the altar of freedom that this volume is affectionately dedicated. 



HEADQUARTERS 28th DIVISION 

AMERICAN E. F. 

France. 
BULLETIN: 4th July, 1918. 

1. On the afternoon of July 1st, two platoons of the 111th In- 
fantry participated with the 153rd French Infantry Regiment in the 
attack on Hill 204. The following letter, written by Colonel Mat- 
ter, commanding the 153rd French Infantry Regiment, to the Com- 
manding Officer, 111th U. S. Infantry is published for the 
information of the command: 

"I have the honor to inform you that the detachment of your 
Regiment which you have been so good as to put at my disposal for 
the attack of July 1st, has shown in its baptism of fire an admirable 
attitude. 

The detachment was placed with the 2nd battalion of the 153rd, 
which had as its mission the taking of the woods on Hill 204. 

The platoon from Co. A operated on the eastern edge of the 
woods; the platoon from Co. B on the western edge. At the hour 
"h", (6:00 p. m.) the assaulting troops left the trenches where they 
had been staying in order to allow artillery preparation on Hill 204. 

From the beginning of the attack the American detachments- 
were marked by their ardor, bravery, and enthusiasm. 

In spite of the firing of the enemy's heavy and light machine 
guns, trench mortars, and riflemen placed in trees, these men brave- 
ly threw themselves on their adversaries. 

• A fierce hand-to-hand contest immediately took place in the 
thick and almost impregnable woods, where each man fought his 
man. The combat was violent, and your men never ceased during 
all the operation to arouse the enthusiasm and admiration of their 
P'rench comrades by their magnificent behavior. 

Lieutenant Schenkel, especially, distinguished himself during 
this combat, making a great impression on his own troops and our 
soldiers. Led on by his ardor, with seven men, the Lieutenant found 
himself surrounded on all sides. This detachment cut its way 
through by using the butts of their rifles and bayonets on the en- 
emy's ranks, and succeeded in rejoining their comrades; Lieutenant 
Schenkel himself killing, with a pistol shot, a German officer. 

The attitude of all American ranks, especially the non-com- 
missioned officers, was also noticeable. Of six non-commissioned 
officers participating in the attack, five have fallen gloriously 
killed or wounded. All officers, N. C. O.'s and privates were superb 
in their enthusiasm and courage. 

I would appreciate very much if you would bring to the knowl- 
edge of your regiment the splendid conduct of your men, who fought 
for the first time with usi, and let everybody know that with such 
admirable soldiers as yours, and ours, the defeat of the Germans is 
certain in the near future. 

(Signed) MATTER." 



The Commanding General of the 39th French Division adds: 

"I join with all my heart the sentiments of admiration which 
Colonel Matter expresses for the valiant troops' which have just 
given to ours a splendid example of bravery. I join my salutations 
and respect to the brave men who have fallen on the field of honor, 
the number of which is, unhappily, great. 

(Signed) POUGIN." 

The Division Commander desires to congratulate the two pla- 
toons participating in the attack of July 1st, upon the receipt of 
such splendid commendations from the Regimental and Division 
Commanders under whom they served. He believes that the ac- 
tion of these men is but an example of what the whole 28th (Key- 
stone) Division will show when opportunity offers. 
By command of Major General Muir: 

Edw. L. King, 
Colonel, General Staff. 

Chief of Staff. 
OFFICIAL: 

Richard W. Watson, 
Major — Adjutant. 



VI Army Q. G. 23rd July, 1918. 

38th Army Corps. 
No. 7628-P 

General Order No. 348 

General Degoutte, commanding the VI Army, asks the General 
commanding the 38th Army Corps to congratulate, on his behalf, 
the Franco-American Troops of the 38th Army Corps, on the re- 
sult of the recent days of fighting. 

The General commanding the VI Army at the same time con- 
veys the great satisfaction of General Retain, Commander-in-Chief 
of the Armies of the North and of the North-East, of General Foch, 
Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies, and of Mr. Clemenceau, 
President of the Council, Minister of War. 

D. Mondesir, 
General Commanding 38th Army Corps. 



VI ARMY, P. C, the 26 July, 1918. 

Hq., 3rd Bureau. 
No. 2.283-3. 

NOTE 

The PRESIDENT of the REPUBLIC during a visit that he had 
made to the VI ARMY has expressed his satisfaction on the results 
obtained as well as for the qualities of bravery and endurance that 
have been shown by all the units of the ARMY. 

The General commanding the VI ARMY is pleased to transmit 
to the troops of his army the felicitations of the PRESIDENT of 
the REPUBLIC. 

(Signed): General DEGOUTTE 



VI ARMY, P. C, the 26 July, 1918. 

Hq., 3rd Bureau. 
No. 2.284-3 

NOTE 

The General commanding the VI ARMY desires to bring to the 
attention of the troops of the Army the following resolution passed 
by the Mayors of the arrondissement of Meaux at a meeting held 
20th of July, 1918: 

The Mayors of the arrondissement of Meaux at a meeting on 
July 20, 1918, are pleased to welcome the great victory of the VI 
Army that has saved their communes from the invasion that was 
menacing them at the time of the battle of the MARNE . 

They desire to convey to the valiant troops of the VI army a 
sincere expression of their gratitude and their admiration. 

le President du Congres des Maires 

(Signed); G. HUGEL, 
Maire de MEAUX, Depute de SEINE-&-MARNE 

The General Commanding the VI Army is pleased to transmit 
these felicitations to the troops of hi& army. 

(Signed): General DEGOUTTE 



X ARMEE Au Q. G. A., 30 July, 1918. 

ETAT-MAJOR 
3rd Bureau 
No. 862-S 

ORDRE GENERAL 

No. 318 

Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers of 
the 28th Division 

Shoulder to shoulder with your French comrades you were 
thrown into the counter-offensive battle which commenced on the 
18th of July. 

You rushed into the fight as though to a fete. 

Your magnificent courage completely routed a surprised enemy 
and your indomitable tenacity checked the counter-attacks of his 
fresh divisions. 

You have shown yourselves worthy sons of your Great Coun- 
try and you were admired by your brothersi in arms. 

91 guns, 7,200 prisoners, immense booty, 10 kilometers of coun- 
try reconquered; this is your portion of the spoil of this victory. 

Furthermore, you have really felt your superiority over the 
barbarous enemy of the whole human race, against whom the chil- 
dren of Liberty are striving. 

To attack him is to vanquish him. 

American Comrades! I am grateful to you for the blood so 
generously spilled on the soil of my Country. 

I am proud to have commanded you during such days and to 
have fought with you for the deliverance of the world. 

(Signed): MANGIN. 



VI Army (French) . P. C. 9th August, 1918. 

GENERAL ORDER 

Before the great offensive of the 18th July, the American 
troops which were brigaded with the French VI Army distinguished 
themselves by taking from the enemy the BOIS DE LA BRIGADE 
DE MARINE (BELLEAU WOODS) and the town of VAUX, and 
stopping his offensive on the MARNE and at FOSSOY. 

Afterwards they took a most glorious part in the second battle 
of the MARNE, rivalling the French troops in attacking spirit and 
valor. 

They have during twenty days of continuous fighting liberated 
numerous French villages, have made an advance of forty (40) 
kilometers over difficult terrain, and have succeeded in crossing the 
VESLE RIVER. 

Their valorous deeds are marked by names which will in the 
future glorify the military history of the United States of America: 

TORCY, BELLEAU, PLATEAU D'ETREPILLY, EPIEDS, 

LE CHARMEL, L'OURCQ, SERINGES-ET-NESLES 

SERGY, LA VESLE ET FISMES. 

The young divisions which entered the battle for the first time 
showed their possession of a dignity in keeping with the war tradi- 
tions of the Regular Army. They have the same ardent vdll to de- 
feat the Boche and the same discipline which guarantees that an 
order given by the Chief will always be executed whatever difficul- 
ties be encountered and whatever sacrifices have to be made. 

The splendid results have been obtained by the energy and abil- 
ity of the Chiefs and by the bravery of the soldiers. 

I am proud to have had the command of such troops. 

The General Commanding the VI Army 
Degoutte. 



HEADQUARTERS 28th DIVISION 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 

GENERAL ORDERS) August 30th, 1918. 

No. 13 ) 

The Division Commander is authorized to inforip all, from the 
lowest to the highest, that their efforts are known and appreciated. 
A new Division, by force of circumstances, took its' place in the 
front line in one of the greatest battles of the greatest war of his^ 
tory. The Division has acquitted itself in a creditable manner. 
It has stormed and taken a point that was regarded proof against 
assault. It has taken numerous prisoners from a vaunted Guards 
Division of the enemy. It has inflicted on the enemy far more loss 
than it has suffered from him. In a single gas application it in- 
flicted more damage than the enemy inflicted on it by gas smce its 
entry into the battle. 

It is desired these fact& be brought to the attention of all, in 
order that the tendency of new troops to allow their minds to dwell 
on their own losses to the exclusion of what they have done to the 
enemy may be reduced to the minimum. 

Let all be of good heart! We have inflicted more loss than we 
have suffered; we are better men individually than our enemies. A 



little more grit, a little more effort, a little more determination to 
keep our enemies down and the Division will have the right to look 
upon itself as an organization of veterans. 

(Signed): CHARLES H. MUIR, 

Major General. 



28th DIVISION 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 

September 25th, 1918 
General Orders. 

No. 17 

1. It gives me great pleasure to record in General Orders a 
tribute to the services and valorous conduct of Second Lieutenant 
de Mandat-Grancey, 39th French Artillery Regiment, who distin- 
guished himself by extraordinary gallantry in action in connection 
with military operations against an armed enemy of France and of 
the United States under the following circumstances: 

Being attached to 107th Field Artillery, U. S. A., he was spe- 
cially sympathetic to all and admired for his courage and coolness. 

He made dangerous reconnoissances by day and night, in the 
sector of Fismes. 

On September 6th, 1918, during the course of an Infantry pro- 
gression, he was killed by a machine gun bullet through the neck, 
while installing an artillery observation post on the first infantry 
line. 



Official: 

RICHARD W. WATSON, 

Major, Adjutant. 



CHARLES H. MUIR, 
Major General Commanding. 



HEADQUARTERS 28th DIVISION 

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 

France, October 21, 1918. 
General Orders) 
No. 19 ) 

1. The Division Commander desires to express his apprecia- 
tion to all officers and soldiers of the 28th Division and of attached 
units, who, at all times during the advance in the Valley of the 
AIRE and in the ARGONNE FOREST, in spite of many hardships 
and constant personal danger, gave their best efforts to further the 
success of the Division. 

2. As a result of this operation, which extended from 5:30 on 
the morning of September 26th until the night 8-9 October, with 
almost continuous fighting, the enemy's line was forced back more 
than ten kilometers. In spite of most stubborn and at times des- 
perate resistance the enemy was driven out of GRAND BOUR- 
EUILLES, PETITE BOUREUILLES, VARENNES, MONTBLAIN- 
VILLE, APREMONT, PLEINCHAMP FARM, LA FORGE and 
CHATEL CHEHERY, and the strongholds on hills 223, 244 and LA 

10 



CHENE TONDU were captured in the face of strong machine gun 
and artillery fire. 

3. The following letter regarding this achievement is of in- 
terest to all: 

ADVANCED HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS 

October 8, 1918. 

FROM: Commanding General, 1st Army Corps, U. S. 
TO: Commanding General, 28th Division. 
SUBJECT: Commendation. 

I desire to express to the 28th Division and its commander my 
appreciation of the splendid work done by the Division on October 
7, 1918. 

The capture of Hill 244 and the combined advance of the right 
and left brigades bringing about the fall of the very strong posi- 
tions of the enemy on the Chene Tondu and the Taille I'Abbe dem- 
onstrate excellent leadership and first-class fighting ability. 

The advance m exploitation in front of your right brigade re- 
sulting from the foregoing actions was a very bold procedure which 
will undoubtedly lead to even greater results. 

H. LIGGETT, 
Major General, U. S. A. 

4. As a *'new" Division on the VESLE the Twenty-eighth was 
cited in Orders from General Headquarters' for its excellent ser- 
vice, and the splendid work just completed assures it a place in the 
very front ranks of the fighting "Red" Divisions. With such a 
position to maintain it is expected that every man will devote his 
best effort to the work at hand — to hasten that final victory which 
is now so near. 

By Command of Major General Muir: 

W. C. SWEENEY, 



Chief of Staff. 



Official: 

RICHARD W. WATSON, 

Major-Adjutant. 



HEADQUARTERS 28th DIVISION 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 

24 November, 1918. 
Memorandum No. 19: 

1. The following letter from the Governor of Pennsylvania 
is published for the information of all concerned: 

"COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA 

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 

Harrisburg 

October 31, 1918. 
Commanding Officer, 
28th Division, 
A. E. F. 
My Dear Sir: 

We have just learned of the second citation by General Head- 

11 



quarters of the Twenty-eighth Division, known as the "Keystone" 
Division of the armies of the Republic. 

Since this division bears the name of the Commonwealth and 
is made up so largely of volunteer soldiers from Pennsylvania, 
properly and justly the people of this state hold them in the very 
highest affection and the most tender regard. We learn of their 
splendid military service and their loyalty to their republic in this 
war with great pride and pleasure, and I beg of you to convey to 
them and accept for yourself the gratitude of this Commonwealth 
and our sincere appreciation that out of the homes and hearts of 
our people have come such a splendid soldiery. 

We pray that under God's guidance they may be blessed and 
kept and given additional renown. 

Very truly yours, 

MARTIN G. BRUMBAUGH." 

By command of Major General Hay: 

W. C. SWEENEY, 

Chief of Staff. 
Official: 

RICHARD W. WATSON, 
Lt. Col., Adjutant. 



HQ. 91st DIV. 
A. E. F. 

November 7, 1918. 
General Orders: 
No. 38 
1. The following expression of appreciation by the Com- 
manding General, Seventh Army Corps (French) of the services 
of troops of this command during the advances to the SCHELDT 
RIVER, is published for information of all concerned: 

"7th French Corps. 
Staff. 

Special Order 

Transported from the ARGONNE to FLANDERS, the 91st 
American Division has again been thrown into the battle, a few 
hours after its arrival. 

Under the energetic influence of its Commander, Major Gen- 
eral Johnston, the 91st American Division reached all its objectives 
on the 31st October and 1st November, with remarkable dash and 
energy. 

In spite of the determined resistance of the enemy, in spite of 
the artillery and machine gun fire which opposed them, the troops 
of the 91st American Division captured SPITAALS BOSSCHEN 
by a clever flanking movement, reached the SCHELDT (and pene- 
trated into the town of AUDENARDE, from now onwards delivered 
from the yoke of the invader. 

The General Officer commanding the 7th FRENCH Corps 
heartily congratulates General JOHNSTON, and the officers and 
men of his division, on the excellent results obtained. 

When, in a few days' time, the battle for the passage of the 

12 



SCHELDT takes place, the 91st American Division will be called 
upon to furnish a further effort. 

The brilliant way in which this division has just fougrht is a 
sure guarantee that it will gather fresh laurels during the next 
operations. 

Hqrs. 4th November, 1918. 
Commanding General, 7th Corps, 

(Signed) MASSENET. 

2. The Division Commander adds his» appreciation of the ef- 
forts of officers and men of his command to comply with orders re- 
ceived. He warns them, however, that such efforts must continue 
until the last armed enemy of the United States has surrendered. 

3. He especially thanks officers and men of the 53rd Field Ar- 
tillery Brigade for the assistance rendered during this offensive. 
Infantry units have never been supported more skillfully, nor with 
more willing and intelligent co-operation, than were those of the 
91st Division by the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade and organiza- 
tions of the French Artillery attached thereto. 

4. This order will be read to all organizations on the earliest 
appropriate occasion. 

By command of Major General Johnston: 

HENRY C. JEWETT, 

Colonel, Engineers, 

Chief of Staff. 
W. H. J. 9: 50-10:10. 

Official: 

D. J. COMAN, 
Major, A. G. 

Acting Adjutant. 

General Distribution Hq. 7th Corps, Ha. 30th Corps, Hq. French 
Army in Belgium, A. G. A. E. F., and No. 72 Aviation Unit at- 
tached. No. 73 Balloon Unit attached. 

Reed. Hq. 53rd F. A. Brig. Nov. 7, 1918. 



HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARMY 

American E. F. 

France, 5 November, 1918. 
FROM: Commanding General, Second Army. 
TO: Commanding General, 28th Division, A. E. F. 
SUBJECT: Recent Activity of 28th Division. 

I desire to inform you of my gratification at the vigorous and 
successful activities of your division since its entry into line on the 
front of the Second Army. The recent patrols and raids have re- 
sulted in making No Man's Land our land in lowering the morale 
of the hostile units on your front, as well as inflicting losses on 
them, and capturing a considerable number of prisoners. Such 
conduct exemplifies the American spirit and cannot fail to create a 
feeling of confidence on the part of our own troops and of corres- 
ponding depression on the part of the enemy. The 28th Division 

13 



has shown its ability to execute promptly the tasks which have 
been given it to perform, and its officers and men have exhibited 
an efficiency and dash which are highly commendable, 

(Signed): R. L. BULLARD, 

Lieutenant General, U. S. A. 



(FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY.) (G. O. 203.) 

G. H. Q. 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, 

France, Nov. 12, 1918. 
General Orders 

No. 203 

The enemy has capitulated. It is fitting that I address myself 
in thanks directly to the officers and soldiers of the American Ex- 
peditionary Forces who, by their heroic efforts, have made possible 
this glorious result. Our armies, hurriedly raised and hastily 
trained, met a veteran enemy, and by courage, discipline and skill 
always defeated him. Without complaint you have endured inces- 
sant toil, privation and danger. You have seen many of your com- 
rades make the supreme sacrifice that freedom may live. I thank 
you for the patience and courage with which you have endured. 
I congratulate you upon the splendid fruits of victory which your 
heroism and the blood of our gallant dead are now presenting to 
our nation. Your deeds will live forever on the most glorious pages 
of America's history. 

Those things you have done. There remains now a harder 
task which will test your soldierly qualities to the utmost. Suc- 
ceed in this and little note will be taken and few praises will be 
sung; fail, and the light of your glorious achievements of the past 
will sadly be dimmed. But you will not fail. Every natural ten- 
dency may urge towards relaxation in discipline, in conduct, in ap- 
pearance, in everything that marks the soldier. Yet you will re- 
member that each officer and each soldier is the representative in 
Europe of his people and that his brilliant deeds of yesterday per- 
mit no action of today to pass unnoticed by friend or by foe. You 
will meet this test as< gallantly as you have met the tests of the 
battlefield. Sustained by your high ideals and inspired by the 
heroic part you have played, you will carry back to our people the 
proud consciousness of a new Americanism born of sacrifice. Wheth- 
er you stand on hostile territory or on the friendly soil of France, 
you will so bear yourself in discipline, appearance and respect for 
all civil rights that you will confirm for all time the pride and love 
which every American feels for your uniform and for you. 

JOHN J. PERSHING, 
OFFICIAL: General, Commander in Chief. 

ROBERT C. DAVIS, 

Adjutant General. 

A. G. Printing Dept., G. H. Q., A. E. F., 1918. 



G. H. Q. 

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 
GENERAL ORDERS) France, November 13, 1918. 

No. 204 ) 

The following communications from the Commander in Chief 
of the Allied Armies is published to the command: 

14 



GRAND GENERAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMIES 

November 12, 1918. 

OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, SOLDIERS 
OF THE ALLIED ARMIES: 

After having stopped the advance of the enemy, you have, for 
months, with confidence and unrelenting energy, attacked him un- 
ceasingly. 

You have won the greatest battle of history and saved the most 
sacred cause, the Freedom of the World. 
Be proud! 

You have decorated your standards with immortal glory. 
Posterity will forever thank you. 

Marshal of France 
Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies. 
F. FOCH. 



BY COMMAND OF GENERAL PERSHING: 

James W. McAndrew, 

Chief of Staff. 
Official: 

ROBERT C. DAVIS, 
Adjutant General. 

Printed by G-2-C, Second Army. Form 11-268 



HQ. 91ST DIV. A. E. F. 

November 26, 1918. 
General Orders: 

No. 49. 

1. The following letter from the Commanding General, 30th 
Army Corps (French) is published for the information of officers 
and men of this division and of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade, at- 
tached thereto : 

30th Army Corps 
General Staff 
3rd Bureau, 

'"'■ '''-' H. Q. No. 24, 1918. 

FROM: The General of Division PENET, commanding the 30th 

Army Corps. 
TO: The Commanding General of the 91st Infantry Division, U. S. 
The General commanding the 30th Army Corps does not want 
to part with the 91st Inf. Div. without expressing to its Chief, its 

15 



Officers, its splendid units, all his appreciation of the fine military 
qualities they have shown during the length of their attachment 
to the Corps. 

By abandoning the line of the Escaut, the enemy did not allow 
the putting in execution of the plan of attack which was so cleverly 
promoted. The intelligent operation preparations by all the Gen- 
eral Staffs, the efforts made by the officers and troops in order to 
have all necessary materials at their disposal when and where 
needed, the strict discipline which presided over all preliminary 
movements and which were a certain presage of success, are nev- 
ertheless deserving of the greatest praise. 

The Commanding General of the 30th Army Corps takes great 
pleasure in sending this letter as a proof of his appreciation to the 
General Commanding the 91st Division and thanks him for his in- 
telligent and faithful co-operation. 

(Signed) H. PENET. 

2. This is the third Corps Commander under whom this divi- 
sion has served, who has considerately expressed appreciation of the 
services of its officers and men during the past two months. Hos- 
tilities have ceased, but the efforts of all officers and men to im- 
prove their ability to fight, must never cease. They must be always 
ready for any call to active service. 

3. This order will be read to each organization on the first ap- 
propriate occasion after its receipt. 

WHJ. 10: 25-10:40. 

By command of Major General Johnston: 

HENRY C. JEWETT, 

Colonel, Engineers, 

Chief of Staff. 
OFFICIAL: 
D. J. Coman 
Major, A. G. 

Acting Adjutant. 
General distribution. 



Memorandum 



HQ. 91st DIV., A. E. F. 

December 19, 1918. 



On Tuesday, 17 December, 1918, Lieutenant General Bernheim, 
representing His Majesty, the King of Belgium, presented the Bel- 
gian Croix de Guerre to a number of officers and enlisted men of 
this division. In doing this, he made the following appropriate 
remarks : 

"His Majesty, the King of the Belgians, Commander-in-Chief 
of the Army, has done me a great honour by delegating me to pin 
the Cross of Bravery upon the chests of the heroic soldiers of your 
Division. 

I am happy and proud of this honour: 

Happy, because it is granted to me to express to very distin- 
guished representatives of free America, the deepest gratitude of 
our soldiers and our Belgian families to the big Sister, the United 

16 



States of America, so helpful and generous when the Huns at- 
tacked us and drove us out of our homes in defiance of justice. 

Proud, because I am amongst brave soldiers, v^ho, touched and 
shocked by the atrocities of an unjust enemy, picked up arms spon- 
taneously and crossed the ocean to give their lives gallantly for the 
defense of Right, without considering their own interests. 

Before this tremendous effort of the United States, the foe 
hesitated, drew back and finally collapsed. 

At the moment the President of the United States arrives on 
the soil of France to settle the consequences of the greatest victory 
there has ever been heard of, thanks to our combined efforts, I ex- 
tend all honour to the American Nation and to the 91st Division." 

By command of Major General Johnston: 

HENRY C. JEWETT, 

Colonel, Engineers, 

Chief of Staff. 
H. C. J.— 8:00-8:44. 

Official: 

R. M. DORTON, 
Captain, A. G. 

Assistant Adjutant. 
General Distribution. 



(FOR OFFICIAL CIRCULATION ONLY.) (G. O. 232.) 

G. H. Q. 

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, 

General Orders) France, Dec. 19, 1918. 

No. 232 ) 

It is with a sense of gratitude for its splendid accomplishment, 
which will livp through all history, that I record in General Orders 
a tribute to the victory of the First Army in the Meuse-Argonne 
battle. 

Tested and strengthened by the reduction of the St. Mihiel sal- 
ient, for more than six weeks you battered against the pivot of the 
enemy line on the western front. It was a position of imposing 
natural strength, stretching on both sides of the Meuse River from 
the bitterly contested hills of Verdun to the almost impenetrable 
forest of the Argonne; a position, moreover, fortified by four years 
of labor designed to render it impregnable; a position held with the 
fullest resources of the enemy. That position you broke utterly, 
and thereby hastened the collapse of the enemy's military power. 

Soldiers of all the divisions engaged under the First, Third 
and Fifth Corps— the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 
32nd, 33rd, 35th, 37th, 42nd, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82nd, 89th, 90th 
and 91st — you will be long remembered for the stubborn persist- 
ence of your progress, your storming of obstinately defended ma- 
chine gun nests, your penetration, yard by yard, of woods and 
ravines, your heroic resistance in the face of counter-attacks sup- 
ported by powerful artillery fire. For more than a month, from 
the initial attack of September 26th, you fought your way slowly 

17 



through the Argonne, through the woods and over hills west of the 
Meuse; you slowly enlarged your hold on the Cotes de Meuse to the 
east; and then, on the first of November, your attack forced the 
enemy into flight. Pressing his' retreat, you cleared the entire left 
bank of the Meuse south of Sedan, and then stormd the heights on 
the right bank and drove him into the plain beyond. 

Your achievement, which is scarcely to be equalled in Amer- 
ican history, must remain a source of proud satisfaction to the 
troops who participated in the last campaign of the war. The 
American people will remember it as the realization of the hither- 
to potential strength of the American contribution toward the cause 
to which they had sworn allegiance. There can be no greater re- 
ward for a soldier or for a soldier's memory. 

This order will be read to all organizations at the first assem- 
bly formation after its receipt. 

JOHN J. PERSHING, 

General, Commander in Chief, 



Official: 

ROBERT C. DAVIS, 
Adjutant General. 



American Expeditionary Forces. 



A. G. Printing Dept., G. H. Q. A. E. F., 1918. 



AMERICAN E. F. 
A. P. O. 776. 

February 1, 1919. 

FROM: The Commanding General. 

TO: The Commanding General, 53rd Field Artillery Brigade. 

SUBJECT: Service of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade with the 
91st Division. 

1. Orders recently received have terminated this date, the 
service of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade, with the 91st Division. 

2. When, almost as soon as the 91st Division was withdrawn 
from the line during the MEUSE-ARGONNE offensive, and re- 
ceived orders to entrain for service in BELGIUM, it was with a 
peculiar satisfaction that information was' received from Hq. First 
American Army, that the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade would be 
sent to BELGIUM for service with this division. The reputation 
established by the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade, in its action with 
the 28th Division between the MARNE and the VESLE, and in the 
MEUSE-ARGONNE was assurance that the 91st Division would 
be ably supported during the offensive action to be anticipated in 
its new field of duty. 

3. From the time of arrival in BELGIUM, near the battle- 
field of YPRES, where there was no shelter from the elements, 
and the inclement weather made service in camp or on the march 
a test of soldierly endurance, to the time when the Armistice 
halted the advance of the French Army in Belgium, between the 
SCHELDT and BRUSSELS, the Infantry of this Division received 
intelligent and effective support from the units of the 53rd Field 

18 



Artillery Brigade. The action of the Division, including its Field 
Artillery, attached, was officially commended by the commanding 
generals^ of the Seventh and Thirtieth French Corps, and subse- 
quently by Major General Degoutte, commanding the Sixth French 
Army, who had during the campaign acted as Chief of Staff of the 
King of Belgium, and the Group of Armies in Flanders. Such com- 
mendations were published in General Orders of this Division, the 
Artillery of which deserved its proportionate share of the compli- 
mentary language employed by the French Army commanders re- 
ferred to. 

4. Not only during the advance, but during the subsequent 
marches to the vicinity of DUNKIRK, officers and men of the 53rd 
Field Artillery Brigade responded loyally and intelligently to orders 
received. The personnel, commissioned and enlisted, observed good 
behavior which has characterized troops of the American Expedi- 
tionary Forces. The State of Pennsylvania may well be proud of 
the Artillery Brigade selected from its National Guard as a part 
of the 28th Division. 

5. The officers and men of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade 
leave this division with the best wishes of the Division Comman- 
der, and other members of the Division, for their speedy return to 
their State, and a prosperous career in whatever walk of life, civil 
or military, they may select. 

WILLIAM H. JOHNSTON, 
WHJd Major General, U. S. A. 



HEADQUARTERS 53RD F. A. BRIGADE 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, 
FRANCE 
General Orders 
No. 3 

February 27th, 1919 

1. The Brigade Commander is in receipt of the following 
from the Commander in Chief of the American Expeditionary 
Forces: , 

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 
February 13, 1919 
Brig. General Wm. G. Price, Jr., 

Commanding 53rd Artillery Brigade, 
Meslay, (Mayenne) 
My Dear General Price: 

I desire to compliment you and your officers and men on the 
fine appearance that you made at the inspection and review which 
I held on January 30th at Meslay. ,,.-,, 

It is gratifying to see your troops in such good physical shape, 
but still more so to know that the moral tone of all ranks is so 
high I am sure that this almost ideal condition will continue to 
the end of their service and beyond, as an exemplification of their 
high character and their soldierly qualities. 

19 



I again wish to send through you my congratulations to your 
brigade on its splendid battle record in the Aisne-Marne, Meuse- 
Argonne and the Ypres-Lys offensive. The officers and men may 
proudly carry home with them the gratitude of the Allies with 
whom they fought and the pride of their fellows throughout our 
forces. 

Very sincerely yours, 

JOHN J. PERSHING." 



To which he replied as follows: 
G. 0. No. 3 Feb. 27, 1919. Page No. 2. 

HEADQUARTERS 53RD F. A. BRIGADE 
28TH DIVISION 

Meslay, (Mayenne) France, 

Feb. 26th, 1919. 
General John J. Pershing, 
Commander-in-Chief, 

American Expeditionary Forces. 

My dear General Pershing: 

I am today in receipt of your letter of February 13, 1919, in 
which you so kindly speak of thei activities of this Brigade, and of 
its work in the operations in which it was engaged. 

Whatever standard of efficiency the Brigade may have reached 
was in an effort to attain that standard s«t by you, Sir, for the 
American Expeditionary Forces, whose work is now history. 

The Brigade Commander, loyally supported by the officers and 
men, has at all times endeavored to maintain a spirit in keeping 
with the high ideals which it was desired should be reached by the 
American forces in France. 

I shall have your letter read at the next formation in order 
that all may know that their patriotism, sacrifices, and efforts have 
been so generously recognized by their Commander-in-Chief. 

We will always treasure the thought which prompted this rec- 
ognition from you, and I, personally, and for the officers and men 
of the Brigade, thank you. 

Faithfully, 

WILLIAM G. PRICE, Jr. 

2. The Brigade Commander knows that the officers and the 
men of the Brigade are together with him, not insensible to this 
additional recognition of the work of the Brigade, and that they 
appreciate the high standard of conduct and efficiency, which is ex- 
pected of them at all times. 

3. This order will be read to all organizations of the Brigade 
at the next formation following its receipt. 

By command of Brigadier General Price: 

W. W. HESS, JR., 

Major F. A. 
Actg. Brig. Adj. 

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General Orders 
No. 59 



HQ. 91ST DIV., A. E. F. 

December 17, 1918 



1. During- the recent campaign in Belgium, the 91st Divi- 
sion, with the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade attached, fought with 
the French Army of Belgium in the Group of Armies of Flanders, 
under the command of the King of Belgium. Major General De- 
gouette, then Chief of Staff and actual commander of the Group 
of Armies of Flanders, now commanding the 6th French Army, 
has honored this division by citation in general orders from Hq. 6th 
French Army, a translation of which order appears- below: 

"VI FRENCH ARMY 

General Order No. 31 

"Hq. 11th December, 1918. 

In addressing the Divisions of the United States of America, 
who covered themselves with glory in the CHATEAU-THIERRY 
offensive, I said that orders given by a commander were always 
complied with whatever might be the difficulties encountered or the 
sacrifices made. 

I have found in the 37th and 91st Divisions the same spirit of 
duty and discipline freely given, which makes valiant soldiers and 
victorious armies. 

The enemy intended to hold "to the death" the heights be- 
tween the LYS and the SCHELDT. The American troops of these 
Divisions, acting with the French Divisions of the Group of Arm- 
ies of Flanders, forced him back on October 31, 1918, and after 
hard fighting threw him over the SCHELDT. 

Then, in a maneuver of unheard of audacity, the American 
units crossed the flooded SCHELDT under the fire of the enemy 
and maintained themselves on the opposite bank, notwithstanding 
counter attacks. 

Glory to such troops and their commanders! They have val- 
iantly contributed to the liberation of a portion of Belgium ter- 
ritory and to the decisive victory. 

Their great nation may be proud of them. 

The General Commanding the Army, 

(Signed) DEGOUTTE." 

2. Officers and men of this division should earnestly strive to 
maintain their training and discipline that in any future operation 
they may merit equal praise from any future commander. 

21 



3. This order will be read to each organization of the divi- 
sion on the first appropriate occasion after its receipt 
By command of Major General Johnston. 

HENRY C. JEWETT, 

Colonel, Engineers, 

Chief of Staff. 
W H J. 20:00—20:26. 

Official: 

D. J. COMAN, 
Major A. G. 

Acting Adjutant. 

A true copy, 

WILLIAM J. POTTER, 

Major 361st Inf. 
To Brig. Gen. Wm. Gray Price, Jr. 



22 



In sending this book to the officers and men of the 
53rd F. A. Brigade, the 103rd Ammunition Train, and 
103rd Trench Mortar Battery, the Brigade Commander 
cannot find words in which to adequately express his ap- 
preciation of the individual devotion of each member of 
the Brigade, to the cause for which we fought ; for the 
unselfish devotion to organization, and the tireless sup- 
port of his efforts to offer whenever called upon, a Bri- 
gade ready and capable to properly and successfully func- 
tion under any and all circumstances. He is confident 
that each one is justly proud, as is he, of the record of 
the Brigade, made possible only through the unfailing co- 
operation of those composing it. 

No honor can ever be received by your Brigade Com- 
mander which can equal that entrusted to him, in being 
permitted to command throughout its service in France 
and Belgium, the 53rd F. A. Brigade and the attached 
organizations, and he sends, to each officer and soldier 
serving under him there, this book, as but a slight token 
of his deep regard, love and affection for those composing 
his command. 

May the years to come hold for each of you all that 
is good and deserving, and throughout those years may 
memories of our service together in the war for human- 
ity, constantly recur bringing with it enriching thoughts, 
to the twilight of our lives, of work well done, and the 
pride of sacrifices made in the service of our beloved 
country. 

Faithfully, 




23 



Chester, Penna. 

Press of Chester Times 

1919 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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